Mosquitos and Beer Drinkers – A Match Made in Heaven

As the weather warms up, it’s time for outdoors activities. Cookouts, parties and just hanging out in the yard are among the most common activities that mark the summer months. Of course, you’ll also have to dodge mosquitos as well. These pests are an inextricable component of hot days and long nights and most people go to great lengths to try and keep them away. For beer drinkers, that might be harder than you think.

Mosquitos Love Beer Drinkers

According to a new study from the University of Florida, mosquitos love beer drinkers though the connection is not quite clear. It might be the fact that beer drinkers have a higher body temperature, which is one thing that is known to attract these pests. Mosquitos also hunt by scent and the smell of beer on your breath can attract them.

How to Avoid Being Bitten

How are you supposed to enjoy having a cold one outside without becoming the main course at a mosquito feast? There are a few options that have been proven to help keep the pests at bay but none of these is a surefire hit.

Lighten Up – Mosquitos are attracted to dark colors such as black, navy blue and red. If you want to cut your risks of being mobbed by blood-sucking bugs while you enjoy your beer and cookout, consider wearing lighter colors.

Cover Up – While you probably don’t like the idea of putting on a parka to go out in the summer heat, covering up your exposed skin will help immensely with mosquito problems. A pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt will help here but you will certainly be less comfortable than if you were in shorts and a t-shirt.

Spray – Insect repellent is certainly not most people’s idea of a great smelling cologne. However, you might just find that you need to ditch smelling good for protection. Researchers have actually shown that mosquitos are more attracted to those with strong smells (aftershave, cologne and strong deodorant among them) so just avoiding strong scents can be enough to cut down on the number of bites you get. However, when all else fails it is time to break out the economy size bottle of insect repellent and douse yourself liberally.

There’s really no sure-fire way to avoid being bitten by mosquitos while enjoying your preferred brew outdoors, but a few of these tips can certainly help.